Earth through Time: Introduction to Geology and Science

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the foundations of physical and historical geology, the stages of the scientific method, and major themes like deep time and the coevolution of Earth and life.

Physical Geology

The study of Earth's material and processes.

Historical Geology

The study of Earth's origin and evolution.

Crystallization

The process by which magma cools and solidifies to form igneous rock.

Lithification

The process, following transportation and deposition, that turns sediment into sedimentary rock.

Metamorphism

The process where rock is subjected to heat and pressure to become metamorphic rock.

Precambrian era

The long period of geologic time from the formation of Earth, occurring before approximately $543\,m.y.$ ago.

Paleozoic era

The era of geologic time that followed the Precambrian, starting approximately $543\,m.y.$ ago.

Mesozoic era

The geologic era known for the Jurassic and Triassic periods, beginning approximately $251\,m.y.$ ago.

Cenozoic era

The most recent geologic era, beginning approximately $65\,m.y.$ ago.

Science

A systematic process for learning about the world and testing our understanding of general truths through the scientific method; also the body of knowledge that is accumulated through this dynamic process.

Observation

Information obtained through one or more senses.

Inference

A conclusion based on logical reasoning from evidence.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation that can be tested and is therefore capable of being disproved.

Theory

A well-tested, well-accepted explanation that has been extensively validated by a large amount of research.

Deep Time

The concept used to describe the vast scale of geologic time.

Coevolution of Earth and life

The theme exploring how the physical Earth has affected the evolution of life and, conversely, how life has affected the evolution of the physical Earth.

$$4.6\,billion\,years\,ago$$

The timeframe of the Earth's origin according to the geologic clock analogy.

Scientific Consensus

The collective position of the scientific community on a topic, such as the agreement that most observed warming of the last 50 years is likely due to increased greenhouse gas concentrations.